KFOR: Kosovska Mitrovica is the "key to many problems"

KFOR Commander visited Kosovska Mitrovica with NATO Admiral James Staviridis.

German general said that KFOR would remain neutral.

"Mitrovica is key for the most important questions in Kosovo. KFOR is objective and neutral and will not get involved in political questions," KFOR stated.

KFOR adds that Stavridis and Bentler arrived in Kosovska Mitrovica by helicopter and were introduced to the current situation in the divided city.

"The goal of this short but exclusive visit is for the admiral to see the realistic situation in the zone that is the responsibility of the North combat group," KFOR stated.

Stavridis, who also visited  the Visoki Decani monastery, met with Bishop Teodosije of Lipljan to discuss the protection of Serbian churches and monasteries in Kosovo.

"Admiral Stavridis, who is of Greek Orthodox descent, showed great interest in the Visoki Decani monastery and the preservation of Serbian Orthodox holy places in Kosovo," the Rasko-Prizren Eparchy stated.

Bishop Teodosije said that the international civil forces are important in Kosovo and that the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) believes that it is important for the KFOR forces to continue securing eight of the most important Serbian holy places in Kosovo.

"Stavridis assured Bishop Teodosije that NATO will not take any further steps regarding the protection of Serbian holy places without prior dialogue with the SPC, and that the SPC's concerns regarding security questions will be taken into consideration," the statement added.

KFOR troops protect Visoki Decani, the Pec patriarchy, Gracanica, Devic, Sveti arhangeli, Gorioc, Zocisti and Budisavci monestaries.

Devic and Sveti arhangeli were burned and destroyed during the March 2004 violence in Kosovo.